James has not been a regular contributor under manager Zinedine Zidane, with reports linking him to a move away from the Bernabeu this summer.

Manchester United and Inter Milan are reportedly interested in the Colombia captain, but Ronaldo told La Sexta on Thursday that he wants the former Monaco and Porto man to stay.

"James has his reasons [to leave] and we have to respect them," Ronaldo said ahead of Real's Champions League final against Juventus on Saturday.

"If he doesn't feel happy and if he wants more, then he should look for the best thing for him.

"If he asked my opinion, I would tell him to stay.

"Obviously he has his complaints and the best thing would be that he plays more, but these are very personal things.

"He has the potential to play for Real Madrid, but he has his reasons and we must respect them."